The Season's First Snowstorm
Here in the Northeast, today’s temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid 40s following the first real snowstorm of the season.
This week, we got what meteorologists call a classic front end "thump" of snow, when the area is hit with three to five hours of solid snowfall and then a sudden flip to sleet and rain. This storm system brought several inches of wet, heavy snow, which downed trees and caused havoc for thousands of travelers and commuters. At my farm, we're still in the process of preparing for the winter season ahead. Yet, even if you’re not a fan of cold weather, it's hard not to love a gorgeous snow-covered landscape. I always love touring the farm and taking photos the morning after a snowfall - enjoy.
And, if you're in the Chicago area today, I hope to see you at Soldier Field for the USA Wine & Food Experience. You still have time to buy tickets - just click anywhere on this highlighted link.
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- There is always a bit of excitement with the season’s first snow. This is a view through the paddocks before the snow began. The old corn crib on the right is original to the farm. The unique “keystone” shape flaring from bottom to top was designed to shed water. Located near my Winter House and long pergola, it’s become a favorite photo for guests who visit.
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- It began snowing furiously at the farm by late afternoon. Here is my stand of American beech trees. They are slow to grow, but can live up to 300-years. It’s interesting how some drop all their leaves, while others hold onto them as long as possible.
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- This carriage road into the woods winds so nicely with its canopy of naked tree branches overhead.
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- Here is a stand of dawn redwoods, Metasequoia, with their straight trunks. They are impressive trees by any standard, and beautiful in any season.
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- The chicken yard is empty – all of my chickens are tucked in for the duration of the storm.
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- Even with the falling snow, it is hard to miss this stand of eastern white pine trees, Pinus strobus. White pines are the tallest trees in eastern North America.
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- Here’s a look at the front doors of the stable – closed with all my darling horses warm and secure in their stalls.
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- Snow covers the carriage road down the Boxwood Allee, but so far it isn’t sticking to the boxwood, which have yet to be draped in burlap.
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- This view is across my pool – all covered for the season.
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- This is the long granite pergola. Hard to see, but I hang several bird feeders along its length for the many, many birds who visit my farm and perch on the trees. In the summer, the vertical posts support beautiful clematis vines which bloom in white and various shades of purple and blue.
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- Here is a view of my large Equipment Barn. The three finials on top draw lots of attention when guests visit. They are antique finials I bought years back.
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- This was taken the morning after the storm, when everything was covered in beautiful white. My Friesians love running across the snow-covered ground. From this vantage point, it’s easy to see the four chicken coop rooftops from across the horse paddocks.
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- This is the carriage road near the Summer House, which curves right and leads to the stable downhill.
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- Here is the side view of my stable with the stable office ahead and my carriage house to the right.
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- Here is an allee between paddocks. The long building at the end contains a four-bay carport, a flower room, a generator room, and my blog studio.
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- Here is a view looking in the other direction towards the chicken coops on the left.
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- The grove of bald cypress, Taxodium distichum, looks so stunning with its copper colored foliage. Upright stakes painted in my signature Bedford Gray line the carriage roads to guide the cars.
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- This is my expansive “party lawn”, where I love to set-up games for guests during summer parties. At the end is the old corn crib.
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- All the boxwood shrubs were covered in snow. Here is the long row of young boxwood that line both sides of the pergola. The crew was tasked with gently brushing all the snow off these precious specimens.
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- None of the boxwood is covered with burlap yet. Heavy snow could damage the shrubs and splay their branches.
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- The crew took brooms and rakes and worked as a team to get all the snow off the boxwood border around the herbaceous peony bed.
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- Chhiring used a roof rake to gently sweep the tops of each one.
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- The team worked fast – there was a lot of boxwood to do, but they all look much better without the heavy snow.
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- Rufus, Clive, and Billie, seem a bit confused staring out from their shelter this morning after the storm.
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- Here is a view across the paddocks. What a difference a day makes – so beautiful and so serene the day after the storm. How did you fare during this first snowstorm of the season? Share your comments with me below.
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